DGCA’s decision to ‘halt’ flights paralyzes operations of airlines

This news has been read 128655 times!

Decision to expose sector to huge losses in coming period

KUWAIT CITY, March 9: The decision of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to suspend flights to and from seven countries, which constitute 60 percent of the total number of incoming and outgoing flights paralyzed the operations of airlines as these countries are the most frequented destinations, including Egypt with 11 flights per day, reports Al-Anba daily.

According to official sources from the aviation and tourism sectors, the decision could be a fatal blow for these sectors if it continues for more than a week and this is expected in light of the announcement made by many countries on the rising number of coronavirus cases.

In this context, tourism expert Kamal Kabsha confirmed in a special statement to the daily that the decision resulted in the cancellation of 483 flights scheduled for this week. He said the number of flights through Terminal 1 (T1) and Jazeera Airways Terminal is around 54 flights daily, so the number of flights scheduled for this week reached 378. For Terminal Four, the number of flights cancelled reached 15 daily or 105 flights; hence, a total of 483 flights were canceled, he added.

Kamal Kabsha

Decision
Kabsha disclosed the decision issued a few days ago led to the return of three flights from India while in midair. Regarding the impact of the decision on operating returns, Kabsha said the decision will affect the sector’s returns by 60 percent.

He explained the cancelled flights to and from Egypt, Philippines, Syria, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India constitute 60 percent of the total operating revenues of the sector.

“The aviation sector depends mainly on these countries as they have the largest proportion of expatriate workers in Kuwait. He said this will expose the sector to huge losses in the coming period,” he noted. He also pointed out that all airlines are obliged to refund payments for booked tickets or reschedule bookings according to the wishes of passengers without any deduction due to the fact that the decision came through the Cabinet and the DGCA and the affected passengers have no say in it.

Meanwhile, Kuwait Airways has confirmed that it is waiting for instructions from the relevant government agencies to operate evacuation flights for citizens in the seven countries covered by the decision. It added the lists have been prepared by the concerned embassies and consulates, which will coordinate with the affected citizens.

This news has been read 128655 times!

Related Articles

Back to top button

Advt Blocker Detected

Kindly disable the Ad blocker

Verified by MonsterInsights